SELT recently completed the conservation of two critical drinking water protection projects in Barrington. The Gray Conservation Easement and Rochester #5 Conservation Easement combine for 55 acres of high priority drinking water supply lands that contribute to the water quality of the Rochester Reservoir, which supplies drinking water to over 25,000 residents in the City of Rochester.
The Gray Family and the City of Rochester agreed to a unique conservation structure that resulted in the City of Rochester acquiring a strategic piece of land to support existing water supply infrastructure.
“We are grateful to both the City of Rochester and the Gray Family for their parts in making this project a success,” said Kaitlin Deyo, Conservation Project Manager for SELT. “This creative approach to conservation ensures that important lands safeguarding the drinking water quality for Rochester are protected forever.”
“Our duty to treat and deliver safe drinking water begins with protecting it at the source,” said Ian Rohrbacher, Water Systems Superintendent for the City of Rochester. “This project enabled Rochester to fortify a key reservoir and vital infrastructure while preserving water quality and responsible land use for generations to come.”
Thank you to the following partners who helped fund this project: NH Department of Environmental Services Drinking Water Groundwater Trust Fund, City of Rochester, NH State Conservation Committee Moose Plate Program, NHDES Local Source Water Protection Grant Program, and the Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership.
